Feedback that moves learning forward

Principles

• About the task, not the person. "Your second paragraph needs evidence" beats "Well done, clever girl".
• Linked to success criteria. Name which criterion is met and which is next.
• Timely. Feedback on Friday about Monday's work rarely changes anything.
• Acted upon. Leave lesson time for learners to respond to it.

Example comments

• "You compared the two characters clearly. Next: add a quotation that shows the difference."
• "Your method is correct up to step 3. Check the sign when you move the term across."
• "You shared the blocks fairly with Tom today. Tomorrow, can you tell him how you decided?"

Feedback and grades

A grade summarises a judgement; formative feedback explains what to do next. During practice, give a specific comment linked to a criterion and time to act on it. Use grades at the reporting points required by your school’s assessment policy.

Saving time

Use whole-class feedback, codes linked to criteria, and short observation notes captured during the lesson. Notes collected over weeks become a solid basis for end-of-term written reports.